GIR & KANKREJ (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: India has imported 40,000 doses of bull semen from Brazil for the first time to boost milk output via artificial insemination.

Gir Cattle

• About: The Gir cattle breed, integral to Indian dairy farming, is renowned for its robustness and remarkable ability to endure stressful conditions. 
• Agriculture: Gir bulls, known for their strength, are employed across diverse soil types to efficiently haul heavy loads. 
• Dairy Production: Gir cattle reign supreme in India, producing an average of 6-10 liters of milk per day. Their popularity is evident, with the breed being widely recognized and favored among Indian dairy farmers.
• Global Milk Production in Brazil: Beyond Indian borders, Gir cows showcase their milk-producing prowess, with cows in Brazil yielding an impressive average of 3,500 kg of milk per lactation.
• Lifespan: Ranges from 12 to 15 years. 

Kankrej

• About: It is a breed of zebuine cattle native to India.
• Origin: This breed originates from the arid region of the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat and extends to Rajasthan.
• Also known as: Bannai, Nagar, Talabda, Vaghiyar, Wagad, Waged, Vadhiyar, Wadhiar, Wadhir, and Wadial.

National Dairy Development Board

• About: It is a statutory body set up by an Act of the Parliament of India. 
• Establishment: 1965
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying
• Headquarter: Gujarat